How To Do Natural Make-up

While some events and big nights out call for a bold and dynamic make-up look, most days you want to look polished and put together without looking like you have the entire contents of a beauty counter on your face. Bold brows, matte lips, and a cut crease eye shadow can all look great, but if you want a more subtle vibe, natural make-up is best.

While a more minimalist look seems like it should be simple to apply, natural make-up application can actually be more challenging! Even accomplished beauty gurus have trouble using a light touch to make their skin glow in an ‘effortless’ way. Ironically, this ‘effortless’ look does require some effort!

That said, with a little practice and the right tools and products, you can master this dewy, pretty look.

Take care of your skin

If you want to get this natural make-up look down to a science, then you need to start working on your skin! Looking like you have fresh, dewy and youthful skin is a lot easier when your skin is actually looking and feeling its best to begin with. Start by double cleansing, then add an acid toner (BHA or Glycolic), Vitamin C or Niacinamide (both brightening), hyaluronic acid (extreme hydration) and before bed, retinol (for anti-aging and skin health).

Prep and prime your skin

The first part of any natural make-up routine is to prep and prime your skin. First, spray your skin with a hydrating mist. Then, apply a thin layer of primer on top of your cleansed skin. Primer is a wonder product that will smooth your face, fill in your pores, and allow your foundation to glide on with ease – and last all day.

Mix your foundation with strobe cream or moisturizer

Depending on the quality of your skin, you might want to skip the foundation altogether! However, if you want a little more coverage, mix some foundation in with some moisturizer or strobe cream, and gently buff it into your skin with a brush or facial sponge.

Skip the concealer, or use it sparingly

While you might be obsessed with covering all of your dark circles and blemishes, there is a grace and elegance in making peace with your ‘imperfections.’ In fact, in France, women’s dark circles and crow’s feet are considered a part of their beauty! Just add a sparing amount of concealer to your face, and blend it well.

Highlighter? Think ‘fresh and dewy’ instead

While frosty highlighter is one of the biggest make-up trends of the past decade, when you add too much of this glistening powder you become a disco-ball! If you want to keep things nice and natural, make sure you tap your brush a few times before applying a light dusting of peach or pink highlighter onto the tops of your cheekbones and the tip of your nose. Cream highlighters are also a good option.

Skip contouring in favor of a dusting of bronzer

Nothing screams ‘heavily made up’ more than a fully contoured face. While the Kardashians and countless Instagram beauty bloggers have made this technique a regular part of many women’s (and men’s!) routine, it can end up making you look very overdone. Skip the contouring and use a gentle dusting of bronzer under your cheekbones, and around the edges of your face.

Don’t overdo the mascara

While some people love a thick and spidery coat of textured mascara or a pair (or two!) of false lashes, lots of mascara is the opposite of ‘natural’. Instead of black, choose dark brown, and apply as normal. Then, use 2 Q-tips on either side of your lash line and remove some of the product.

Lash extensions can be a great option for vacations, or if you want to just wake up and head out the door. While some people choose long and dramatic lash extensions, you can also get very subtle and natural options.

Use your blush sparingly

Sure, a lovely rosy cheek always looks cute and pretty, but it can be too much when you are trying to keep your look simple and muted. Go easy on your blush, and choose a neutral peach or pink.

Choose gloss instead of matte lipstick

Matte liquid lipsticks are great, as they last all day – but they are a clear sign that you are heavily made up. If you want things to look effortless and naturally, try a lightly pigmented gloss instead.

Natural make-up makes you look and feel great

Some days you feel like a fully painted face, other days you want to wear nothing at all – and sometimes you want something in between! For a soft and natural look, these tips will help you look and feel your best.